If there is one question that I am always asked as a fashion editor, it’s “how do I put together an outfit that looks expensive?”. the truth is, you don’t have to spend a lot on your look for it to look elevated, and there’s a whole host of tricks you can employ to turn an ensemble from good to great. It could be a clever colour palette, a styling hack or a clever investment piece—in the last 10 years I’ve taken note of a number of ways to achieve a luxe look. And, since I know you’ll be wondering how to create this effect with minimal effort and on a reasonable budget, I thought I’d compile some of the best expensive-looking outfit tips out there into one handy guide.
So, looking to emulate Sylvie Mus’ elevated vibe? Wanting to channel The Row’s understated look without breaking the bank? I’ve rounded up nine looks to be your guiding force this spring, summer and beyond. This year, there are a few outfit formulas that should be on your radar, and trust me when I say, they couldn’t be any easier to re-create. Inevitably, with expensive-looking outfits, the simpler the better, so expect low-maintenance, high-impact looks that are as aspirational as they are attainable coming up.
Keep scrolling to see and shop nine elevated ensembles and take notes on what makes them stand out from the crowd. You can thank me later.
1. KEEP IT CAMEL
Style Notes: Sorry vanilla girls, camel is still dominating our social feeds, and it’s likely due to the neutral hue’s ability to look especially elevated. From biscuit tan to sandy beiges, my favourite way to wear the palette is layering a few key basics like a camel coat or caramel knit with grounding black, cocoa browns, greys and denim, and worn together the result is all deniably luxe. Throw in some creams and burgundy leather accessories and you’re onto a winner.
SHOP CAMEL:
& Other Stories
Double-Breasted Blazer
No way does this look high-street.
& Other Stories
Knitted Boat Neck Maxi Dress
The perfect oversized fit—no need to size up.
Reformation
Mason Pant Es
2. SUPERSIZE YOUR CARRYALL
Style Notes: Extra-large bags first took over the A/W 2022 runways, and fashion’s early adopters are still endorsing the oversized carryalls. Trendiness aside, though, there’s something about a large leather shopper that always feels luxurious—it could be that it’s the sensible antidote to the Y2K mini bag, but it’s probably because the price point tends to start higher than it does for tiny top-handles.
SHOP SUPERSIZE BAGS:
The ultimate throw everything in bag.
Mango
Leather-Effect Shopper Bag
COS
Folded Shopper – Leather
Long leather book totes are having a moment.
3. LOAD UP ON LEATHER
Style Notes: Yes, you read that correctly. From spring to winter, leather (and its vegan alternatives) just screams “money.” It’s pretty much a given that genuine leather has a rich-looking effect, but leather lookalikes are also getting so good that they’ve become my favourite way to achieve this look on a budget. The transitional season is the perfect time to experiment with layers, and as soon as the temperatures really rise, trade in your leather ready-to-wear for polished accessories.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Whistles
Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
Simple, chic, and fuss-free.
Anthropologie
The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Faux Leather Mini Edition
An easy instant outfit.
Leather skirts are always relevant.
4. RELAX YOUR SILHOUETTE
Style Notes: It might sound counterintuitive since sharp tailoring is typically associated with an elevated look, but when done right, a relaxed and roomy silhouette can do the same in an especially fresh way for 2024. Think The Row’s XXL shirts, Bottega Veneta’s slouchy trousers, and Jil Sander’s fluid dresses and maxi hemlines. Take tips from TyLynn’s look and play with proportions without the need for sharp pleats.
SHOP RELAXED SILHOUETTES:
COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
The pleating adds the overall expensive feel of these trousers.
COS
Flared Polo Shirt Dress
You’ll never regret investing in this dress.
5. THE BOXIER THE BETTER
Style Notes: Whether you spend £30 or £300 on one, a big, boxy blazer will single-handedly elevate anything you wear it with. Seriously, with blue jeans or open over a minidress, it’s the one piece that does all the legwork for you.
SHOP BOXY BLAZERS:
Hush
Double-Breasted Wool Blend Blazer
A blazer all our editors have on their wish list.
Weekday
Liv Oversized Linen Mix Blazer
No, that price isn’t a typo.
Arket
Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer
It’s easy to see what makes this blazer such a hit.
6. LAYERS OF LINEN
Style Notes: I’ll never tire of linen, particularly its uncanny ability to bring a warm-weather look together. I look for neutral tones, slouchy fits, and easy-to-piece-together pieces that are just *chef’s kiss* and can work just as well as we head into winter with clever layering as they can in the middle of summer.
SHOP THE LOOK:
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Linen, Cornflower Blue Stripe
Who said linen has to be plain white?
Faithfull the Brand
+ Net Sustain Amreli Linen Maxi Skirt
A piece to keep in your wardrobe forever. Add flats and a blazer to make it work for this trans-seasonal period.
& Other Stories
Belted Linen Shirt Dress
One of the chichest linen dresses on the high street.
7. INCORPORATE FINE-KNITS
Style Notes: Cashmere, cable knits and fine knits are going through a chic rebranding (and you can thank Katie Holmes and Khaite for the invention of the bra-digan). “Grandma” knits have officially gone from dated to elevated thanks to a number of cool new versions on the market that are breathing new life into the classic texture. Make the most of a layering cardi in the transitional seasons.
SHOP FINE KNITS:
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
It’s no wonder that Reformation knits are an influencer favourite.
M&S Collection
Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan
Everyone in-the-know swears by M&S knitwear.
Mango
Round-Neck Knitted Sweater
Wear with maxi skirts, jeans and over dresses instead of a heavy jacket.
8. MAKE IT MONOCHROME
Style Notes: Monochromatic outfits are probably the quickest and easiest thing put together, and while the exact colour you wear doesn’t always matter, neutrals tend to convey this elevated vibe the best. I like styling crisp basics, like a button-down shirt and tailored jeans, with a simple, slicked-back hairstyle. It’s clean and simple, but very chic.
SHOP MONOCHROME:
COS
Tie-Neck Dagger-Collar Shirt
The perfect shirt does exist.
Weekday
Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans
I’ve been wanting to try these jeans for the longest time.
& Other Stories
Pointed Slingback Pumps
These are guaranteed to be a sell-out.
9. THROW ON A LONG COAT
Style Notes: The Olsen sisters are on to something with their floor-length coats. Outerwear doesn’t just finish off your outfits—sometimes, it is the outfit, period, and I adore long, ankle-grazing coats for that reason. In winter, a wool coat cloaks you in one chic silhouette, and in the sunnier, transitional months, it’s the perfect accompaniment to breezy dresses.
SHOP LONG COATS:
Jigsaw
Nelson Cotton Trench Coat | Blue
A cotton trench in a versatile shade is a must-have.
Reformation
Danni Oversized Trench
The cocooned silhoutte makes it feel even more high-end.
Aligne
Gilda Maxi Trench Coat
A coat you’ll never regret investing in.
Up Next, The 10 Major Trends That Will Define Spring 2024 Fashion
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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